Dear J.T. & Dale: I am 35 and have been in the construction industry since graduating college, about 10 years ago now. More and more, I find myself asking whether I am really happy as a project manager. At this stage in my career, I need to commit to what I’m doing (very long hours and OK pay) or change horses. I contemplate going back to school for an MBA or maybe another bachelor’s. Your thoughts would be appreciated. – J.R.

DALE: Interesting fact: Nobody who’s happy takes the time to ask, “Am I really happy?” Given that, let’s just conclude that some career experimentation is in order. But your last option should be starting over. To start over means you’re sure to encounter very long hours at NOT OK pay, and soon be asking if you’re really happy. Instead, try this: Make two lists: One, an itemization of parts of the job that are a joy to you, including the specific people; and two, the aspects of your work that are draining your spirits. Armed with that self-knowledge, you can analyze related jobs in your company and elsewhere. You’ll soon determine if you can increase the ratio of good-to-bad work while staying in construction. If not, how about in a company that is a supplier to construction companies?

J.T.: Also, go broader. Apply the two lists to new careers, searching for three to five that have potential. Next, spend some time researching the backgrounds of successful people in these fields, using social-media tools like LinkedIn, to learn their career progression. Look for patterns in their education and experience. Then, take it a step further and contact a few people in each field to discuss their experience in the profession, gaining firsthand insights into the actual work. This is as close as you can get to “test-driving” a new job, and I guarantee it will give you a series of “Aha!” moments. Plus, you may learn that you don’t need another degree.

DALE: Oh yes … please, please promise me, J.R., that you won’t go back for another degree unless you spot your only ideal career and hear from at least five people currently in the field that a degree is a dead-certain requirement. Otherwise, you’ll be writing to us again in two years, joining the long list of people asking us, “I got the degree, why can’t I get a job?”

Dear J.T. & Dale: My son has about 60 college hours but no degree. He’s worked for five years as head waiter at a country club’s fine-dining restaurant, and wants to go into restaurant management. His current manager has been of some help, providing referrals, etc. What advice do you have? – Virginia

DALE: If the boss is giving referrals, he’s aware of your son’s goals, which makes me curious as to why he hasn’t tried to get him an Assistant Manager title. I suspect there are politics involved – there always are. It might work for your son to assume the manager’s job and then get the promotion – it’s a process akin to “build it and they will come,” but this is “promote yourself and the title will follow.” What I’m suggesting is that your son volunteer to take on managerial assignments, one by one. Even if he never gets Assistant Manager, he can talk confidently of his managerial experience.

J.T.: Meanwhile, he should identify at least 10 restaurants he’d like to work for and call and ask what requirements they have. Hiring managers love to hear from people who say, “This is the career I really want, and I’m trying to find out what I need to do to break in.” Who knows? These conversations could lead to interviews.